A NORTHWICH man has been fined £200 after he admitted racially abusing a petrol station worker.

Vale Royal Magistrates Court heard Christopher Astles knocked over a card display, kicked a shelf and was abusive to a member of staff at the Texaco Garage on Winnington Lane following an argument about his credit card.

The 21-year-old, of Solvay Road, Winnington, appeared at the court on Thursday and admitted a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour which was racially aggravated.

Patrick Hutchinson, prosecuting, said: 'He was trying to buy 20 cigarettes but the card machine was not working properly. He was asked by Ayo Scott to go to the cash machine and see if he could withdraw some cash in order to pay for the cigarettes.

'He then became aggressive and swore at the worker before kicking a shelf and knocking over a display of cards. Mr Scott told him he did not want any trouble and asked him to put everything back.

'The defendant then swore at him and told him to 'go back to his own country'.'

Mr Hutchinson said the incident was caught on CCTV.

The defendant was arrested and admitted saying some of the things alleged.

Christopher Johnson, defending, said: 'He does not accept he said all of the things he is alleged to have said, but he does accept that he told Mr Scott to go back to his own country.

'His grandfather, who has since died, had just been taken seriously ill and he was already pretty wound up that day and let a minor situation become a major one on this occasion.'